Wetland birding habitat

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park3 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/2/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026New Creek Watershed, Graham Blvd. bridge1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

6/1/2026Duke Farms IBA1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/1/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

6/1/2026Clove Lakes Park1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

6/1/202621 Grist Mill Dr, Belle Mead US-NJ 40.43444, -74.621841 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

6/1/2026Lord Stirling Park1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

6/1/2026Wolfe's Pond Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/25/2026

Mallard

45/25/2026

Mourning Dove

35/25/2026

Chimney Swift

105/25/2026

Clapper Rail

15/25/2026

Killdeer

25/25/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/25/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/25/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

15/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

35/25/2026

American Herring Gull

15/25/2026

Forster's Tern

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/25/2026

Snowy Egret

25/25/2026

Great Egret

25/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

105/25/2026

Osprey

35/25/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/25/2026

Bald Eagle

25/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding?
The best months to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Notable species at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.